Chevalier's Books, founded in 1940 by Joe
Chevalier, is the oldest, continuously operating bookstore
in Los Angeles. In 1990, Filis Winthrop, a
retired LA high school teacher, purchased the business from Joe Chevalier. The disappearance of
these independent, local bookstores is well known. This year it changed
hands again to Bert Deixler and Darryl Holter, two passionate,
dedicated bibliophiles. Chevalier's underwent a major
remodel in November, keeping the cozy, neighborhood feeling of the store
created by my wife, designer Johnna McHugh. Today Filis still
continues to operate the store - with more books, and added technology
but the same devotion she has given
for over 25 years. Chevalier's, an enduring, longstanding businesses on
Larchmont, is a cultural marker for the community, It is my great
pleasure to participate in the legacy of this landmark bookstore. Jim McHugh

The first building to be constructed on Larchmont Boulevard in 1924, it
was originally a bank. The bank's vault remains to this day, Filis
Winthrop and Chloe McHugh with the vintage 1920s bank vault behind.